well, why you said a few weeks ago, you said ten days ago, you weren't going to stand, so why change? have you ever changed your mind? about anything, ever? i think it would not be _ an overstatement to say you've been one of the most important british clinical figures in the last, - i don't know, 30, 40 years. why? because it's incrediblyi hard to imagine britain leaving the european union, i brexit, without nigel farage. our panel tonight — in scotland the political commentator and columnist for the herald, brian taylor, here in london the deputy political editor at the guardianjessica elgot. also with us tonight, the politico editor, jack black shot. first, the latest headlines. the first televised leadership debate of the general election is just getting under way in scotland, on stv. it's featuring snp first ministerjohn swinney,

douglas ross for the conservatives, labour's anas sarwar and alex cole—hamilton, of the liberal demorats but not the scottish greens. the israeli military has announced the deaths of four more people who were abducted by hamas on the 7th of october. they've been named as nadav popplewell, chaim peri, yoram metzger, and amiram cooper. israel's army says the hostages were killed during an israeli operation in khan younis. claudia sheinbaum has been elected as mexico's first woman president. preliminary results showed the 61—year—old former mayor of mexico city had won close to 60% of the vote in sunday's election. she will replace her mentor, the outgoing president andres manuel lopez obrador. a final message from rugby league legend and motor neurone disease and motor neurone disease campaigner rob burrow has been released as part of a new bbc documentary. the message was recorded by the former leeds rhinos star

especially for the programme, called there's only one rob burrow, to be used after his death. in it, he says "every single day is precious. don't waste a moment. in a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream." rob was involved in the making of the documentary and viewed it before he passed away on sunday aged 41. so nigel farage says he believes reform uk could get more votes at this election than the conservatives. that is some claim. but no question there are many within conservative central office who were dreading this day would not come. tomorrow farage will formally announce he is running for the essex seat of clacton on sea, as the new leader of the party. with the aim of becoming the voice of opposition in the next parliament" which he claims the conservatives are "inca pable" of being. when people start to realise that the red wall, with reform second to labour when they start

to realise that actually in those seats, it's a conservative vote for labour. it's a conservative vote that is a wasted vote. then i think we might just surprise everybody. farage accused the tories of betraying brexit. but a spokesman for the conservative said it is, "nigel farage that risks handing keir starmer a blank cheque to rejoin the eu". farage knows they added that reform won't win any seats, but he doesn't seem to care that a vote for reform only helps labour. here's the view of tim montgomerie, the founder of the conservativehome website. he is a conservative destroyer, if you like. he has the potential to really upend this election and to turn what was looking like a very bad conservative defeat into a real catastrophe for rishi sunak�*s party. you sound almost excited about it.

yeah. i am excited. the election was dull up until this moment and i think this will energise the election. not in a way that will help rishi sunak not in a way that will help my party. but people do at least now have someone who they can rally around. and there will be lots of conservative voters who will have seen what nigel farage said today, who will have nodded throughout his message. and i don't know how rishi sunak will counter that. we still have a slight problem with jaclyn shards line but these two are here. there is an interview planning tonight on the world tonight on radio four, with carla mcguire who is director of general partners the polling company, he has described nigel farage entry into this grace as potentially an extinction level

event for the conservatives, who he now says are staring into the political abyss. now says are staring into the politicalabyss. does now says are staring into the political abyss. does that sum up where we are tonight, do you think with mark i think that this is the worst thing that could have happened at this stage in the campaign for rishi sunak. irate at this stage in the campaign for rishi sunak-— at this stage in the campaign for rishisunak. , ., �* ~ ., , rishi sunak. we 'ust don't know yet how it's rishi sunak. we 'ust don't know yet how in going — rishi sunak. we just don't know yet how it's going to — rishi sunak. we just don't know yet how it's going to affect _ rishi sunak. we just don't know yet how it's going to affect polling - rishi sunak. we just don't know yet how it's going to affect polling for l how it's going to affect polling for reform _ how it's going to affect polling for reform. all of the poles we have seen _ reform. all of the poles we have seen so — reform. all of the poles we have seen so far— reform. all of the poles we have seen so far are predicated on the basis _ seen so far are predicated on the basis that— seen so far are predicated on the basis that nigel farage is not running — basis that nigel farage is not running as a candidate. not only becoming — running as a candidate. not only becoming the leader of the party and standing _ becoming the leader of the party and standing for the election itself, will help— standing for the election itself, will help reform uk probably mostly into second place in a lot of constituencies, which means they might— constituencies, which means they might not— constituencies, which means they might not win a lot of mps, but they are likely, _ might not win a lot of mps, but they are likely, very likely to deliver more _ are likely, very likely to deliver more than _ are likely, very likely to deliver more than labour seats. this is what hq more than labour seats. this is what h0 will— more than labour seats. this is what h0 will be _ more than labour seats. this is what hq will be worried about tonight. brian. _ hq will be worried about tonight. brian, there has been a talk about an almighty conservative collapse.

will that happen if he has a seat in next parliament? it is will that happen if he has a seat in next parliament?— next parliament? it is unlikely the conservatives _ next parliament? it is unlikely the conservatives will _ next parliament? it is unlikely the conservatives will be _ next parliament? it is unlikely the conservatives will be supplanted l next parliament? it is unlikely the | conservatives will be supplanted at the stage. if you look at the main themes that nigel farage declared today, it's immigration, it's tax and decline in social morals, in some ways that's pitching directly to the debate and discourse that's taking place within the conservative party, in debate and discourse that will only be enhanced if or possibly when rishi sunak loses and is ejected from office. some tories are holding their fire for now, preparing for what they regard as perhaps being the real election which is the next election of the next conservative leader. what he is doing is the politics on the right, those particular tropes and views that resonate, he believes, with people. to some extent they'll resonate with some labour rotors, but it is explicitly aimed at targeting the conservative vote.

there will be some in conservative circles, that will say nigel farage is a serial loser, this is the eighth time he has stood for parliament. there are others that say we wish rishi sunak was saying those sort of thing. let say we wish rishi sunak was saying those sort of thing.— those sort of thing. let me read that quote _ those sort of thing. let me read that quote from _ those sort of thing. let me read that quote from his _ those sort of thing. let me read that quote from his speech - those sort of thing. let me read l that quote from his speech today, jessica. it says, "what i'm calling for an i intend to lead as a political revolt, nothing in this country works any more, i have done it before and i will surprise everybody". of course that is the message to conservatives and conservative supporters, but i wonder if labour will look at the speech and think maybe they need a bigger offer than what were getting at the moment. i bigger offer than what were getting at the moment.— at the moment. i suspect that labour-mack's _ at the moment. i suspect that labour-mack's strategy - at the moment. i suspect that labour-mack's strategy will i at the moment. i suspect that | labour-mack's strategy will be at the moment. i suspect that i labour-mack's strategy will be to labour— mack's strategy will be to double _ labour— mack's strategy will be to double down on their current strategy— double down on their current strategy which is to be as cautious as possible, and not get in the way of nigel— as possible, and not get in the way of nigel farage taking chunks out of the conservative party. i think that will probably be the wrong strategy

in government if nigel farage and reform _ in government if nigel farage and reform uk— in government if nigel farage and reform uk have a very good showing at it seems— reform uk have a very good showing at it seems like there might be some kind of— at it seems like there might be some kind of pact _ at it seems like there might be some kind of pact or merger between the two, kind of pact or merger between the two. or— kind of pact or merger between the two, or merger between the two parties — two, or merger between the two parties. were not there yet and we're _ parties. were not there yet and we're a — parties. were not there yet and we're a long way from that. i the immediate — we're a long way from that. i the immediate danger will be for rishi sunak— immediate danger will be for rishi sunak in— immediate danger will be for rishi sunak in a — immediate danger will be for rishi sunak in a moment, you'd be looking at if there _ sunak in a moment, you'd be looking at if there will be a possibility of defections, for the defections, may be defections, for the defections, may he to— defections, for the defections, may be to reform, maybe that will be a hi i be to reform, maybe that will be a big possibility and how does he respond — big possibility and how does he respond to a big offer on the european _ respond to a big offer on the european court of human rights, perhaps— european court of human rights, perhaps a — european court of human rights, perhaps a referendum that will even withdrawing putting that in a manifesto some just that mean for more _ manifesto some just that mean for more moderate mps may be ministers who may— more moderate mps may be ministers who may not be able to stomach going even further _ who may not be able to stomach going even further to the right, i think there _ even further to the right, i think there is— even further to the right, i think there is some very immediate dangers for rishi's_ there is some very immediate dangers for rishi's coming up. its a

there is some very immediate dangers for rishi's coming up.— for rishi's coming up. as a strange thin that for rishi's coming up. as a strange thing that he _ for rishi's coming up. as a strange thing that he talks _ for rishi's coming up. as a strange thing that he talks about _ for rishi's coming up. as a strange thing that he talks about brexit - thing that he talks about brexit betrayal. brexit is hardly featured in this campaign but clearly it is the conservatives that carry the mantle for it. if he opens the door to labour, does he risk unraveling the project that he led since he began in politics? it’s the project that he led since he began in politics?— began in politics? it's really intriguing — began in politics? it's really intriguing that _ began in politics? it's really intriguing that you're - began in politics? it's really intriguing that you're right i began in politics? it's really - intriguing that you're right about brexit, the conservative statement in response contained a reference to brexit, brexit is the issue would they dare not speak its name because neither the conservatives nor the labour party wish to talk about it, to do engender any degree of backlash from the voters principally in england who drove this through. nigel farage is one of the main architects of brexit. these in a comfortable position because he didn't implement it, he didn't negotiate the deal, the settlement, he just says basically we ended up with the wrong type of brexit and we've ended up with the type of brexit that still enables immigration to continue. critics, if they were able to say so without

attracting concern from the voters, would say what would you expect if you argued for moving britain from the single market when you argued for the hard brexit that has come about. but they cannot say that, the tories cannot say that, they have to take ownership of the project which in many ways it is not going particularly well because the opportunities they talk about for brexit are down the line. the challenges that arise from brexit including a forecast cut in the value of the british economy are happening right now.— value of the british economy are happening right now. jessica, the headfine happening right now. jessica, the headline in _ happening right now. jessica, the headline in the _ happening right now. jessica, the headline in the independent - headline in the independent newspaper today. the headline in the independent newspaper today the eu rebuffs labour hopes for softer brexit. the article claims that brussels will be indifferent to any charm offensive from a labour government. in fact one source told the paper that labour may be guilty of over ambition about what is possible. here's what the competitions commission margarete vesteger told me last week ahead of the european parliamentary elections.

we're always open to find out ways to making the relationship smoother. also with the press and government, just in recent days, there has been very high level meetings exactly on these areas because the uk is a neighbour, it's a former member, it's a neighbour, it's a trade partner. so of course we want a good relationship. but of course the relationship cannot sort of wish away the fact that the uk left. jessica, she would not most likely be taking a lead role in any negotiations, judging by the polls this weekend. she really restates there would a lot of people say, that brussels doesn't do party. the new negotiations, and if labour wanted a closer relationship with europe it would come with obligations, most likely oversight from the ecj, dynamic alignment. how palatable would all that be with red seat vote the kind that keir starmer is trying to win over? i think we've all learned from many

lon- think we've all learned from many long nights during the brexit process— long nights during the brexit process that there is always a difference between what eu officials and government officials say it publicly— and government officials say it publicly is the position. and what actually— publicly is the position. and what actually is — publicly is the position. and what actually is the position and we've seen _ actually is the position and we've seen over— actually is the position and we've seen over the past year is a degree ofm _ seen over the past year is a degree ofm ls _ seen over the past year is a degree ofm ls true — seen over the past year is a degree of... is true to say the feeling in brussels — of... is true to say the feeling in brussels is — of... is true to say the feeling in brussels is a _ of... is true to say the feeling in brussels is a neighbour government will perhaps reset relations in terms — will perhaps reset relations in terms of— will perhaps reset relations in terms of mutual trust and goodwill. whether— terms of mutual trust and goodwill. whether that actually then means in practice _ whether that actually then means in practice labour are going to be given— practice labour are going to be given anything like the kind of thing — given anything like the kind of thing they are seeking, without, for example. _ thing they are seeking, without, for example, oversight of the ecj, is a very. _ example, oversight of the ecj, is a very. very— example, oversight of the ecj, is a very, very different question. and i'm sure _ very, very different question. and i'm sure that it's right that it wouldn't be. and i think, you know, to have _ wouldn't be. and i think, you know, to have that— wouldn't be. and i think, you know, to have that kind of dynamic environment, you have to have a court _ environment, you have to have a court enforcing the rules and we need _ court enforcing the rules and we need to— court enforcing the rules and we need to hear what labour— mack's position— need to hear what labour— mack's position would be and how you would enforce _ position would be and how you would enforce that if it's not the ecj. i

think— enforce that if it's not the ecj. i think probably there's a question about— think probably there's a question about how much people are really paying _ about how much people are really paying attention now to these kinds of technicalities and the way they were _ of technicalities and the way they were previously.— of technicalities and the way they were previously. paying attention to brexit, according _ were previously. paying attention to brexit, according to _ were previously. paying attention to brexit, according to the _ were previously. paying attention to brexit, according to the bmg - brexit, according to the bmg research group, the pulling they've done, brian, 63% of those currently planning to vote labour would back rejoining the eu. keir starmer says he wants britain to be the fastest growing in the g7, when he becomes prime minister. many would say it's unlikely without using those trade rules with brussels. the unlikely without using those trade rules with brussels.— unlikely without using those trade rules with brussels. the debate in scotland is _ rules with brussels. the debate in scotland is intriguing _ rules with brussels. the debate in scotland is intriguing because - rules with brussels. the debate in| scotland is intriguing because they voted to stay in, so they are pressing labour to go down the road of rejoining, do i think the european union would take concessions to keir starmer if he was making those offers from downing street, i can see why. david cameron went to brussels in a situation where he was saying we are going to leave, we're going to have to leave,

i don't want to leave but we are getting pushed into this and to give him nothing. they give him is it, they gave them scraps. i cannot see why they would give any huge concessions to keir starmer unless he were making huge concessions in return, certainly oversight by the ecj, buti return, certainly oversight by the ecj, but i would guess rather more than that. i don't think brussels will be all that interested. there will be all that interested. there will be a degree of detachment unless there is an evident advantage, immeasurable advantage to the remaining members of the european union and unless there is no particular damage to the european union, i can't see how they would be paying close attention to arguments from the uk. we paying close attention to arguments from the uk-— from the uk. we made contact with jack, aood from the uk. we made contact with jack. good to _ from the uk. we made contact with jack. good to see — from the uk. we made contact with jack, good to see you. _ from the uk. we made contact with jack, good to see you. we - from the uk. we made contact with jack, good to see you. we were - jack, good to see you. we were talking about the eu, the competitions commissioner, one of the things i put to her last week is how badly the time it was, or how badly they got it wrong, really. but the timing for easing visa

restrictions for under 30s. and she was saying, it is all about timing when you think about elections that are under way, perhaps labour would have been more receptive to an offer like that. ijust have been more receptive to an offer like that. i just wonder, have been more receptive to an offer like that. ijust wonder, is brian right that actually labour are not going to talk about what they planned to do with the european union until they get to the other side of the voting injuly? absolutely. this is the don't mention— absolutely. this is the don't mention brexit _ absolutely. this is the don't mention brexit election, - absolutely. this is the don't- mention brexit election, nobody wants— mention brexit election, nobody wants to — mention brexit election, nobody wants to talk _ mention brexit election, nobody wants to talk about _ mention brexit election, nobody wants to talk about this - mention brexit election, nobody wants to talk about this massive issue _ wants to talk about this massive issue. whoever— wants to talk about this massive issue. whoever does _ wants to talk about this massive issue. whoever does win - wants to talk about this massive issue. whoever does win the - wants to talk about this massive - issue. whoever does win the election will he _ issue. whoever does win the election will be renegotiating _ issue. whoever does win the election will be renegotiating or— issue. whoever does win the election will be renegotiating or at _ issue. whoever does win the election will be renegotiating or at least - will be renegotiating or at least re-looking _ will be renegotiating or at least re-looking at _ will be renegotiating or at least re—looking at that _ will be renegotiating or at least re—looking at that agreement . will be renegotiating or at least i re—looking at that agreement with the eu, _ re—looking at that agreement with the eu, built— re—looking at that agreement with the eu, built into— re—looking at that agreement with the eu, built into the— re—looking at that agreement with the eu, built into the agreement, | re—looking at that agreement with i the eu, built into the agreement, so that's— the eu, built into the agreement, so that's going — the eu, built into the agreement, so that's going to — the eu, built into the agreement, so that's going to happen _ the eu, built into the agreement, so that's going to happen whoever i the eu, built into the agreement, so| that's going to happen whoever wins. but nobody— that's going to happen whoever wins. but nobody wants _ that's going to happen whoever wins. but nobody wants to _ that's going to happen whoever wins. but nobody wants to talk _ that's going to happen whoever wins. but nobody wants to talk about - that's going to happen whoever wins. but nobody wants to talk about it, i but nobody wants to talk about it, least _ but nobody wants to talk about it, least of _ but nobody wants to talk about it, least of all — but nobody wants to talk about it, least of all labour. _ but nobody wants to talk about it, least of all labour. they _ but nobody wants to talk about it, least of all labour. they certainly| least of all labour. they certainly don't _ least of all labour. they certainly don't want — least of all labour. they certainly don't want to _ least of all labour. they certainly don't want to give _ least of all labour. they certainly don't want to give any— least of all labour. they certainly don't want to give any indicationi don't want to give any indication that they— don't want to give any indication that they would _ don't want to give any indication that they would actually - don't want to give any indication that they would actually want i don't want to give any indication that they would actually want to| that they would actually want to work _ that they would actually want to work much _ that they would actually want to work much more _ that they would actually want to work much more closely- that they would actually want to work much more closely with i that they would actually want tol work much more closely with the that they would actually want to i work much more closely with the eu in terms _ work much more closely with the eu in terms of— work much more closely with the eu in terms of anything _ work much more closely with the eu in terms of anything structural, i work much more closely with the eu in terms of anything structural, buti in terms of anything structural, but that's— in terms of anything structural, but that's the _ in terms of anything structural, but that's the thing. _ in terms of anything structural, but that's the thing, brian's _ in terms of anything structural, but that's the thing, brian's right- that's the thing, brian's right there's— that's the thing, brian's right there's nothing _ that's the thing, brian's right there's nothing in— that's the thing, brian's right there's nothing in this - that's the thing, brian's right there's nothing in this for i that's the thing, brian's right| there's nothing in this for the that's the thing, brian's right- there's nothing in this for the eu, there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu _ there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu has— there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu has moved _ there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu has moved on— there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu has moved on and - there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu has moved on and it - there's nothing in this for the eu, the eu has moved on and it has l there's nothing in this for the eu, i the eu has moved on and it has more things— the eu has moved on and it has more things on— the eu has moved on and it has more things on his — the eu has moved on and it has more things on his plate. _ the eu has moved on and it has more things on his plate. there's a -

the eu has moved on and it has more things on his plate. there's a war- things on his plate. there's a war happening — things on his plate. there's a war happening in europe, _ things on his plate. there's a war happening in europe, eastern- things on his plate. there's a war- happening in europe, eastern europe is creaking _ happening in europe, eastern europe is creaking in— happening in europe, eastern europe is creaking in various _ happening in europe, eastern europe is creaking in various ways _ happening in europe, eastern europe is creaking in various ways will - is creaking in various ways will start _ is creaking in various ways will start we've _ is creaking in various ways will start we've got _ is creaking in various ways will start we've got eu _ is creaking in various ways will start we've got eu elections. is creaking in various ways will i start we've got eu elections coming up start we've got eu elections coming up this— start we've got eu elections coming up this weekend, _ start we've got eu elections coming up this weekend, we _ start we've got eu elections coming up this weekend, we are _ start we've got eu elections coming up this weekend, we are expecting i up this weekend, we are expecting far right _ up this weekend, we are expecting far right parties _ up this weekend, we are expecting far right parties to _ up this weekend, we are expecting far right parties to be _ up this weekend, we are expecting far right parties to be extremely. far right parties to be extremely well, _ far right parties to be extremely well, those _ far right parties to be extremely well, those of— far right parties to be extremely well, those of the _ far right parties to be extremely well, those of the big _ far right parties to be extremely well, those of the big structural| well, those of the big structural issues _ well, those of the big structural issues that— well, those of the big structural issues that european _ well, those of the big structural issues that european leaders i well, those of the big structurall issues that european leaders are looking _ issues that european leaders are looking at — issues that european leaders are looking at if— issues that european leaders are looking at. if britain _ issues that european leaders are looking at. if britain comes i issues that european leaders are | looking at. if britain comes back, maybe _ looking at. if britain comes back, maybe we'll— looking at. if britain comes back, maybe we'll do _ looking at. if britain comes back, maybe we'll do this _ looking at. if britain comes back, maybe we'll do this defence i looking at. if britain comes back, | maybe we'll do this defence thing looking at. if britain comes back, i maybe we'll do this defence thing in the negotiation, _ maybe we'll do this defence thing in the negotiation, i— maybe we'll do this defence thing in the negotiation, i don't _ maybe we'll do this defence thing in the negotiation, i don't think- the negotiation, idon't think anybody— the negotiation, i don't think anybody is _ the negotiation, i don't think anybody is going _ the negotiation, i don't think anybody is going to - the negotiation, i don't think anybody is going to be - the negotiation, i don't think- anybody is going to be listening. well— anybody is going to be listening. we'll take — anybody is going to be listening. we'll take a _ anybody is going to be listening. we'll take a short— anybody is going to be listening. we'll take a short pause. - anybody is going to be listening. j we'll take a short pause. around anybody is going to be listening. i we'll take a short pause. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news.

you're watching bbc news. in the first hour of the programme will be talking about the cease—fire negotiations that the israeli prime minister is still stalling on, but he did mention that he's had an invitation from the us congress to address a joint session. we are just hearing but that will take place on june 13, so not very far away. we will see whether the cease—fire has come to pass by then but clearly a

very divisive issue in washington, while the prime minister stalls on that negotiation. now let's talk about events in scotland tonight. so fireworks in england today — what about scotland? the first televised leadership debate of the general election is under way. four of the party leaders in scotland taking — that's the snp part — that's the snp first ministerjohn swinney, labour's anas sarwar, douglas ross for the conservatives and alex cole—hamilton, of the liberal demorats. the scottish greens — the third biggest party at holyrood — are not on stage tonight. their exclusion they said is "outrageous". stv, which is broadcasting the debate, says it is comfortable their decision complies with ofcom rules. can't bring you any of that really at the moment, because we've only had a few of them talking, and it did start late. but brian, what are you expecting to come of tonight's debate, where you think the most heated debate may come? you have 0 enin: heated debate may come? you have opening statements _ heated debate may come? you have opening statements from _ heated debate may come? you have opening statements from the - heated debate may come? you have | opening statements from the leaders i expect, john swinney is saying something about putting scotland's interests first, he's talking about

independence but talking about it through the prism of popular concerns. and this has been the basis of the snp campaign, do say ultimately we want independence but right now we know she you guys are hurting and we will use devolved powers to try and address things like the cost of living but we ask you to, mr swinney there, we ask you to argue and they argue simultaneously that independence is the best way to achieve that. we can expect from an srr that the mantra of change that scotland can join in that change —— anas sarwar. the leader of the scottish labour party, he argues you have a phalanx of scottish mps they will work with the expected uk government. john swinney says actually the opposite, what you need is snp members to stand up for scottish interests. the conservatives are arguing they can represent the union and liberal democrats will advance individual

policies but i expect them to almost fight pavement politics on the seat they have an almost pick—up a couple. in they have an almost pick-up a coule. ., , they have an almost pick-up a coule. . , ., . they have an almost pick-up a coule. ., , ., . . ., couple. in any normal election, jessica, couple. in any normal election, jessica. the _ couple. in any normal election, jessica, the route _ couple. in any normal election, jessica, the route roofer- couple. in any normal election, | jessica, the route roofer labour goes across scotland, pressure on anas sarwar tonight not to mess this up. anas sarwar tonight not to mess this u . _ , ., anas sarwar tonight not to mess this u . . , ., , , , anas sarwar tonight not to mess this up. great press or on him not to mess up. _ up. great press or on him not to mess up. and — up. great press or on him not to mess up. and l— up. great press or on him not to mess up, and i think— up. great press or on him not to mess up, and i think that i up. great press or on him not to| mess up, and i think that yes, of course, — mess up, and i think that yes, of course, the — mess up, and i think that yes, of course, the priorities about... ed miliband — course, the priorities about... ed miliband territory or labour to get a big _ miliband territory or labour to get a big majority they must win back bil a big majority they must win back big swathes of scotland, other areas as well— big swathes of scotland, other areas as well but— big swathes of scotland, other areas as well but that's the route to a very— as well but that's the route to a very comfortable majority. that's the route — very comfortable majority. that's the route to getting legislation passed — the route to getting legislation passed that they want to. and labour have got— passed that they want to. and labour have got an _ passed that they want to. and labour have got an advantage in this election— have got an advantage in this election in that they can argue that, — election in that they can argue that, they can say or try to say it at least, — that, they can say or try to say it at least, that independence is off the ballot paper and this is all about— the ballot paper and this is all about do— the ballot paper and this is all about do you want to get rid of the

tories _ about do you want to get rid of the tories and — about do you want to get rid of the tories and out of the, out of westminster and if you want to do that the _ westminster and if you want to do that the only way to do that is to vote _ that the only way to do that is to vote for— that the only way to do that is to vote for more labour mps rather than snp and _ vote for more labour mps rather than snp and peace. of course john swinney— snp and peace. of course john swinney is encountering. this week, what we _ swinney is encountering. this week, what we need, that won't make any difference, — what we need, that won't make any difference, help you get rid of the tory government in westminster. i do expect— tory government in westminster. i do expect that _ tory government in westminster. i do expect that to be trash out tonight at the _ expect that to be trash out tonight at the debate.— at the debate. interesting to see, jack, at the debate. interesting to see, jack. whether— at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that _ at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that defence i at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that defence is i at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that defence is on i at the debate. interesting to see, i jack, whether that defence is on the list of topics that is discussed, it's rising up the lists of priorities for voters. one of the most important roles for any government is the nation's defence. and as the world becomes more dangerous, it is rising up the list of priorities for voters. according to the polling company yougov, defence and security is one of the few policy areas where the conservatives still lead over labour — but onlyjust. 22% trust the conservatives 20% trust llabour more. but today sir keir starmer was trying to close that gap. at an event this morning sir keir starmer claimed that labour

is now "the party of defence", attacking the conservatives for cutting the army to the smallest size since napoleon. and so even as we work tirelessly for peace, we have to be fit to fight. so let me be unequivocal. this labour party is totally committed to the security of our nation, to our armed forces, and importantly to our nuclear deterrent. it is essential. that is why labour has announced a new triple lock commitment to our nuclear deterrent. we will maintain britain's continuous at—sea deterrent 2a hours a day, 365 days a year, deliver all the needed upgrades and we will build four new nuclear submarines like the ones i saw in barrow. that won'tjust keep us safe, but will also support good jobs and growth across the uk. eight years ago underjeremy corbyn, around a dozen labourfigures who are now frontbenchers under sir keir starmer voted in the commons against maintaining

the uk's nuclear weapons. among them, the man who could be could be foreign secretary next month, david lammy . the woman who could be deputy prime minister, angela rayner. and the shadow minister for international development lisa nandy. others abstained. former defence secretary ben wallace has suggested that both labour and conservative governments are responsible for "hollowing out" british defenc. and he told radio it's "the world at one" that the incoming government should spend even more than they have currently pledged: than they have currently pledged. the threat is rising toward the end of the decade, but i would suggest, as others have, that towards the end of the decade we should be spending 3% of gdp. however, to get there, you have to follow a progressive line. you can'tjust do of dollars or pounds to a you can'tjust dollop millions of dollars or pounds to a department, whatever�*s spending.

you can't build a frigate in a year. to stand next to m military veterans, but the numbers it's all about the numbers. why do labour not commit to it the conservatives to two... br; commit to it the conservatives to two... r, ::;~, 1: commit to it the conservatives to two... �*, ::;~,:: ., commit to it the conservatives to two... j ::;~,::'~ ., . ., . two... by 2030? today's announcement was all about _ two... by 2030? today's announcement was all about positioning, _ two... by 2030? today's announcement was all about positioning, new - was all about positioning, new triple — was all about positioning, new triple lock— was all about positioning, new triple lock sound _ was all about positioning, new triple lock sound like - was all about positioning, new triple lock sound like it - was all about positioning, new triple lock sound like it means| triple lock sound like it means something _ triple lock sound like it means something but _ triple lock sound like it means something but it _ triple lock sound like it means something but it doesn't i triple lock sound like it means| something but it doesn't mean anything — something but it doesn't mean anything at _ something but it doesn't mean anything at all. _ something but it doesn't mean anything at all, we _ something but it doesn't mean anything at all, we are - something but it doesn't mean i anything at all, we are committed something but it doesn't mean - anything at all, we are committed to maintaining — anything at all, we are committed to maintaining britain's— anything at all, we are committed to maintaining britain's nuclear- maintaining britain's nuclear deterrent— maintaining britain's nuclear deterrent which— maintaining britain's nuclear deterrent which we - maintaining britain's nuclear deterrent which we do - maintaining britain's nuclear. deterrent which we do anyway. maintaining britain's nuclear- deterrent which we do anyway. the men standing — deterrent which we do anyway. the men standing around _ deterrent which we do anyway. the men standing around military- deterrent which we do anyway. the i men standing around military figures trying _ men standing around military figures trying to— men standing around military figures trying to tell — men standing around military figures trying to tell the _ men standing around military figures trying to tell the product _ men standing around military figures trying to tell the product that - men standing around military figures trying to tell the product that the i trying to tell the product that the labour— trying to tell the product that the labour party— trying to tell the product that the labour party has _ trying to tell the product that the labour party has changed, - trying to tell the product that the labour party has changed, that l trying to tell the product that the| labour party has changed, that is trying to tell the product that the i labour party has changed, that is no longer— labour party has changed, that is no longer the _ labour party has changed, that is no longer the labour— labour party has changed, that is no longer the labour party— labour party has changed, that is no longer the labour party of— labour party has changed, that is no longer the labour party ofjeremy i longer the labour party ofjeremy corbyn _ longer the labour party ofjeremy corbyn who— longer the labour party ofjeremy corbyn who was _ longer the labour party ofjeremy corbyn who was much _ longer the labour party ofjeremy corbyn who was much more - longer the labour party ofjeremy i corbyn who was much more equivocal on the _ corbyn who was much more equivocal on the stuff, — corbyn who was much more equivocal on the stuff, but _ corbyn who was much more equivocal on the stuff, but you're _ corbyn who was much more equivocal on the stuff, but you're right, - corbyn who was much more equivocal on the stuff, but you're right, the i on the stuff, but you're right, the key policy— on the stuff, but you're right, the key policy thing _ on the stuff, but you're right, the key policy thing is _ on the stuff, but you're right, the key policy thing is this _ on the stuff, but you're right, the key policy thing is this 2.5% - on the stuff, but you're right, the key policy thing is this 2.5% gdpi key policy thing is this 2.5% gdp commitment _ key policy thing is this 2.5% gdp commitment and _ key policy thing is this 2.5% gdp commitment and labour- key policy thing is this 2.5% gdp commitment and labour has i key policy thing is this 2.5% gdp commitment and labour has not key policy thing is this 2.5% gdp i commitment and labour has not gone as far— commitment and labour has not gone as far as— commitment and labour has not gone as far as the _ commitment and labour has not gone as far as the tories _ commitment and labour has not gone as far as the tories is _ commitment and labour has not gone as far as the tories is to _ commitment and labour has not gone as far as the tories is to set _ commitment and labour has not gone as far as the tories is to set a - as far as the tories is to set a date when _ as far as the tories is to set a date when they— as far as the tories is to set a date when they will— as far as the tories is to set a date when they will hit - as far as the tories is to set a date when they will hit that, i as far as the tories is to set a i date when they will hit that, the lid reason — date when they will hit that, the lid reason for— date when they will hit that, the lid reason for that _ date when they will hit that, the lid reason for that is _ date when they will hit that, the lid reason for that is that - date when they will hit that, the lid reason for that is that labour assumed — lid reason for that is that labour assumed that _ lid reason for that is that labour assumed that if _ lid reason for that is that labour assumed that if they— lid reason for that is that labour assumed that if they do - lid reason for that is that labour assumed that if they do commit| lid reason for that is that labour. assumed that if they do commit to

power— assumed that if they do commit to power next — assumed that if they do commit to power next week— assumed that if they do commit to power next week there _ assumed that if they do commit to power next week there is - assumed that if they do commit to power next week there is very- assumed that if they do commit to| power next week there is very little money _ power next week there is very little money to _ power next week there is very little money to spend _ power next week there is very little money to spend. and _ power next week there is very little money to spend. and it's— power next week there is very little money to spend. and it's already i money to spend. and it's already baked _ money to spend. and it's already baked into — money to spend. and it's already baked into the _ money to spend. and it's already baked into the plants _ money to spend. and it's already baked into the plants they - money to spend. and it's already baked into the plants they are i money to spend. and it's already i baked into the plants they are going to collect— baked into the plants they are going to collect so — baked into the plants they are going to collect so while _ baked into the plants they are going to collect so while they _ baked into the plants they are going to collect so while they felt - baked into the plants they are going to collect so while they felt the i to collect so while they felt the need _ to collect so while they felt the need to— to collect so while they felt the need to match _ to collect so while they felt the need to match the _ to collect so while they felt the i need to match the conservatives on tax cuts _ need to match the conservatives on tax cuts and — need to match the conservatives on tax cuts and other— need to match the conservatives on tax cuts and other spending - tax cuts and other spending restrictions— tax cuts and other spending restrictions that _ tax cuts and other spending restrictions that the - tax cuts and other spending - restrictions that the conservatives have announced _ restrictions that the conservatives have announced because - restrictions that the conservatives have announced because that i restrictions that the conservatives have announced because that is i have announced because that is perceived — have announced because that is perceived as _ have announced because that is perceived as a _ have announced because that is perceived as a weakness - have announced because that is perceived as a weakness for i have announced because that is i perceived as a weakness for them, have announced because that is - perceived as a weakness for them, on defence _ perceived as a weakness for them, on defence the _ perceived as a weakness for them, on defence the calculation _ perceived as a weakness for them, on defence the calculation inside - perceived as a weakness for them, on defence the calculation inside the i defence the calculation inside the labour— defence the calculation inside the labour party— defence the calculation inside the labour party is _ defence the calculation inside the labour party is in— defence the calculation inside the labour party is in the _ defence the calculation inside the labour party is in the end, - defence the calculation inside the| labour party is in the end, people are unlikely— labour party is in the end, people are unlikely to— labour party is in the end, people are unlikely to change _ labour party is in the end, people are unlikely to change their- labour party is in the end, people are unlikely to change their vote i are unlikely to change their vote because — are unlikely to change their vote because labour— are unlikely to change their vote because labour haven't - are unlikely to change their vote because labour haven't put i are unlikely to change their vote because labour haven't put a i are unlikely to change their vote i because labour haven't put a date are unlikely to change their vote - because labour haven't put a date on that figure _ because labour haven't put a date on that figure yet — because labour haven't put a date on that figure yet as _ because labour haven't put a date on that figure yet. as long _ because labour haven't put a date on that figure yet. as long as, _ because labour haven't put a date on that figure yet. as long as, labour. that figure yet. as long as, labour feel that figure yet. as long as, labour feet as _ that figure yet. as long as, labour feet as tong — that figure yet. as long as, labour feet as tong as _ that figure yet. as long as, labour feel as long as they— that figure yet. as long as, labour feel as long as they sound - that figure yet. as long as, labour feel as long as they sound strong i that figure yet. as long as, labour. feel as long as they sound strong on defence _ feel as long as they sound strong on defence that — feel as long as they sound strong on defence that will— feel as long as they sound strong on defence that will be _ feel as long as they sound strong on defence that will be enough - feel as long as they sound strong on defence that will be enough and - defence that will be enough and people — defence that will be enough and pe0pte doh't— defence that will be enough and people don't generally - defence that will be enough and people don't generally vote - defence that will be enough and people don't generally vote on i defence that will be enough and i people don't generally vote on that issue. _ people don't generally vote on that issue. they— people don't generally vote on that issue, they think— people don't generally vote on that issue, they think they _ people don't generally vote on that issue, they think they got - people don't generally vote on that issue, they think they got some - issue, they think they got some leeway— issue, they think they got some leeway there _ issue, they think they got some leeway there other— issue, they think they got some leeway there other than - issue, they think they got some leeway there other than on - issue, they think they got some leeway there other than on tax i issue, they think they got some - leeway there other than on tax cuts in spending — leeway there other than on tax cuts in spending plans— leeway there other than on tax cuts in spending plans where _ leeway there other than on tax cuts in spending plans where they - leeway there other than on tax cuts in spending plans where they felt . in spending plans where they felt they have — in spending plans where they felt they have to _ in spending plans where they felt they have to negate _ in spending plans where they felt they have to negate the - in spending plans where they felt they have to negate the politicali they have to negate the political attacks — they have to negate the political attacks. , , ., they have to negate the political attacks. , , . , ., attacks. just a little bit of housekeeping _ attacks. just a little bit of housekeeping for - attacks. just a little bit of housekeeping for you, i attacks. just a little bit of| housekeeping for you, we attacks. just a little bit of - housekeeping for you, we did talk about nigel farage running for collect and which you will formally announce tomorrow. let me just show you the other candidates as is the norm that are running and collecting, running against him. ——

in clacton. including nigel farage who becomes the leader of reform taking overfor who becomes the leader of reform taking over for richard tice. who becomes the leader of reform taking overfor richard tice. while the debate is on, we do have a live page running on the bbc website and we are going to talk about, maybe get some reaction from glasgow before the end of the programme on what has been discussed. an important night. of course in scotland tomorrow it's the turn of the uk leaders, keir starmer and rishi sunak go head—to—head tomorrow and we will bring you plenty of that as well. we'll take a short break and on the other side of that, plenty more to come on election day and what we've heard, so do stay with us. hello there. monday was dominated by some contrasting conditions. the best of the sunshine certainly was through scotland, and in fact, a beautiful afternoon in st andrew's fife. but the story will change through tomorrow. further south, some cloud, thick enough fot the odd spot or two of drizzle stubbornly sat there through much of the day.

now, the change, though, is coming with these weather fronts that are gradually pushing in to the north—west of scotland. behind it, cold air tucks in, centred close to this low pressure is where we're likely to see the strongest of the winds and the sharpest, most frequent showers. but the fronts will continue to slip their way steadily south as we go through the morning on tuesday. early morning sunshine in east anglia and south—east england will gradually be clouding over as we go into the afternoon. but we should see some warmth still with that early sunshine, 21 celsius. there'll be some showery outbreaks of rain continuing, and the back edge, the brighter greens denoting there could be some heavy showers with hail and thunder. not a bad end to the day through northern ireland and the scottish borders, but a frequent rash of showers here in the north—west and a cooler feel already, only highs of 10—14 celsius. so those fronts continue to push their way south and east. and then under that influence of low pressure, with the wind direction changing to a north westerly, a cooler air source is going to spill its way right across the country.

temperatures just below par, really, for this time of year. it'll be a chilly start to our wednesday morning, low single figures in some areas of rural scotland. but generally we're looking at single figures to greet us first thing on wednesday. there should be some early morning sunshine across england and wales. we might cling on to some sunny spells as well, but a frequent rash of showers will develop into the far north and west. a brisk north—westerly wind here, too, and temperatures peaking at around 11—14 celsius in scotland and northern ireland, highest values of 15—18 celsius across england and wales. so even with the sunshine, that's still a little disappointing. the low pressure not moving very far, very fast. high pressure is trying desperately hard to build in from the south—west for the end of the week and into the weekend. so don't expect any significant change, but it's likely the best of the drier, brighter weather will be reserved across england and wales. further north and west, we keep those sharp showers going.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. rishi sunak denies stoking culture wars after the conservatives

pledged to tackle the "confusion" over the legal definition of sex